Archibald “Archie” Roach AM’s life has been nothing short of eventful.
Like many other children of the Stolen Generations, Archie was forcibly removed from his home and separated from his family at just two years old. Struggling with the trauma of this tragic separation and the news of his mother’s death, he spent a significant portion of his teens and twenties sleeping rough and battling alcoholism.
After meeting and starting a family with the love of his life, Ruby Hunter, and overcoming his long battle with addiction, Archie wrote his iconic and deeply personal song, ‘Took the Children Away’, which he performed as the opening act for friend and fellow musician Paul Kelly’s concert back in 1989.
Following his breakout single, Archie went on to become an Australian music icon: releasing numerous award-winning albums, touring around the globe, and opening shows for the late Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, and Patti Smith to name a few.
Photography: Adrian Cook
Alongside his impressive career as a musician, Archie is a hard-working activist for the rights of First Nations people in Australia. In 2014, he started the Archie Roach Foundation, which seeks to support and empower First Nations youth and artists.
Later this year, Archie will be heading to Perth on his final ever tour, Tell Me Why, joined by his five-piece band, including award-winning jazz composer and improviser Paul Grabowsky and special guest Sally Dastey. Tell Me Why is an intimate journey through Archie’s life and a moving illustration of his resilience and strength of spirit.
We were honoured to speak with Archie about his upcoming tour, the highlights of his magnificent career, and what music means to him.
You’ve described music as a ‘great healer’ for you. In your eyes, what makes music so therapeutic?
You can process pain and trauma through music, through writing songs, and singing about things that have affected you adversely and thereby help to get that off your mind and heart.
When you look back on your extraordinary career as a musician and activist, what are some of the highlights? When have you felt most proud of what you do?
Too many really, too many to mention, but probably releasing my first album Charcoal Lane in 1990 which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.
Music video: 30th Anniversary Edition of 'Took the Children Away' from Charcoal Lane.
Which song(s) from your Tell Me Why album are you most excited for audiences to hear you play on this tour?
All the songs on the Tell Me Why album make up my journey. I am excited to share the songs at my Perth concert as I love the way Paul Grabowsky and the band have arranged and reinterpreted those songs; what they have done is beautiful and extraordinary.
What are you looking forward to doing after your tour wraps up?
Putting my feet up and getting back to country and family.
It’s so important to hear voices and stories like yours in popular music. Who are some of your favourite First Nations artists that we should be listening to?
Emma Donovan, Gina Williams, Allara, Nancy Bates, Nathan May, RULLA and MARLON, Emily Wurramara, and Baker Boy to name but a few, as the list goes on and on.
Archie Roach will be performing at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday 12 December, 7:30pm. Find tickets and more information.
